L 232/10 EN Official Journal of the European Union 30.8.

II (Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory)

DECISIONS

COMMISSION

COMMISSION DECISION of 18 August 2008 concerning the financial contribution by the Community, for the year 2008, towards a study covering the area of animal transport (2008/694/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, will also support the actions identified in the Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010 (2).

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European

Community, (4) This Action Plan identified several areas of action in particular the upgrading of existing minimum standards for animal protection and welfare and introducing stan­ dardised animal welfare indicators. Concerning animal transport, advice from scientific experts indicates thatHaving regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June new appropriate rules on travelling times and loading1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (1), and in particular densities are needed.Article 17 thereof,

(5) In order to perform an Impact Assessment, and in

particular in order to evaluate the animal welfare andWhereas: health, public health, economic, social, environmental or administrative impacts that an amendment of Regu­ lation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and(1) Decision 90/424/EEC lays down the procedures 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 (3) as governing the Community's financial contribution regards travelling times and space allowances is likely towards specific veterinary measures. to provoke, a study is needed.

(6) It is therefore appropriate for the Community to fund for

(2) In particular, the Community may avail itself of studies the year 2008 a study which is to evaluate the different necessary for the development of Community veterinary policy options linked to identified scenarios as regards legislation in the field of animal welfare. travelling times and space allowances for the transported animals and to assess their respective animal welfare and health, public health, economic, social, environmental and administrative impacts. The maximum amount to be allocated to this action should be specified.(3) Studies, impact assessments and evaluations covering the areas of animal health, animal welfare and food safety (2) Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on a Community Action Plan on the Protection and(1) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 19. Decision as last amended by Council Welfare of Animals 2006-2010, COM(2006) 13 final. Decision 2006/965/EC (OJ L 397, 30.12.2006, p. 22). (3) OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1.30.8.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 232/11

(7) The action will be performed by a service contract in Article 2

accordance with procurement procedures for negotiated procedures as laid down in Article 91(1)(d) of Council The granting of the contribution referred to in Article 1 shall be Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June governed by public procurement rules and shall be carried out 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the through a negotiated procedure according to Article 91(1)(d) of general budget of the European Communities (1) and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002. Articles 126 and 129(1) of Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general The financial contribution provided for in Article 1 shall be budget of the European Communities (2). financed through the budget line 17 04 02 01 of the budget of the European Communities for 2008.

(8) The measures provided for in this Decision are in

accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, Done at Brussels, 18 August 2008.HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1 For the CommissionA Community financial contribution for the performance of astudy on travelling times and space allowances during animal Androulla VASSILIOUtransport up to a maximum of EUR 58 000 is hereby approved. Member of the Commission